Classical Music 2018: the best orchestras, soloists and concerts

Bernstein, Stravinsky and Shostakovich for musical thrills and spills, Haydn, Bach and Grieg for poetry and inspiration: take your pick in 2018

Rachmaninov Symphony No 3, Royal Festival Hall

Concertos for two pianos are rare and exotic creatures so don't miss the chance to hear the world premiere of an entirely new one, performed by the dynamic Labeque sisters, plus a powerful Rachmaninov symphony.

Christian Tetzlaff, Wigmore Hall

The violinist Christian Tetzlaff is one of Culture Whisper's favourite artists. Hear him in an all-Schubert programme in February, with his cellist sister Tanja, and then in June playing music by the exciting young composer Jörg Widmann.

Mahler 9, Rattle and the LSO, Barbican

Another big landmark in the debut year as music director of the London Symphony Orchestra for Sir Simon Rattle. Here he conducts the mighty symphony that Mahler never even heard himself in his own lifetime.

Jörg Widmann Season, Wigmore Hall

Born in Germany, a clarinettist from the age of seven, Jörg Widmann is now a composer both for his own instrument and all others, and a brilliant speaker on music. Get to know him better at the Wigmore Hall when he takes up a residency.

Los Angeles Philharmonic, Barbican

The energetic conductor Gustavo Dudamel brings his Los Angeles Philharmonic to London for three brilliant concerts on consecutive nights. Catch the lot to get to know this amazing ensemble inside out. Featuring Bernstein in his centenary year.

Haydn String Quartets, Wigmore Hall

As well as more than 100 symphonies, Haydn wrote 68 quartets. At London's premier chamber music venue, Wigmore Hall, a distinguished line-up of ensembles is exploring these captivating, jewel-like works.

BBC Proms 2018, Royal Albert Hall

The Proms programme will be announced in April but we can already be sure of some features. Anniversaries are often marked in the eight-week festival of live music, so listen out for lots of Leonard Bernstein, the centenary of whose birth falls in 2018, plus all your favourite composers and artists.

Bach's St Matthew Passion, Wigmore Hall

Lovers of choral music generally, and Bach in particular, never miss a performance of the St Matthew Passion. Now, here is one on a scale that will bring out the drama of the piece: there is only one voice per part, making the characters very real indeed.